'Why don't you beat them? Why showing leniency?' – Obaidul Quader to BCL's Saddam to suppress protests
ICT-2 issues arrest warrants against Quader, 6 others
To suppress the anti-discrimination movement of 2024, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader – whose party's activities are currently banned – provided provocation, instructions, and financial support.
He directed Bangladesh Chhatra (BCL) League President Saddam Hossain to crack down on protesters. A phone conversation containing this directive was presented before the International Crimes Tribunal, in which Obaidul Quader is heard telling Saddam, "Why don't you beat them? Why are you showing them leniency?"
In connection with crimes against humanity committed during July-August, the prosecution yesterday (18 December) pressed formal charges against Obaidul Quader and six other leaders. After taking cognisance of the charges, a three-member Tribunal-2 led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury issued arrest warrants against the accused.
The other six accused are Awami League Joint General Secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and its General Secretary Wali Asif Inan.
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Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim first presented arguments on the formal charges, reading out separate allegations against each of the seven accused. Three specific counts were brought against former road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader – issuing instructions, instigation, and provocation.
The first charge states that on 11 July 2024, Quader spoke on the phone with Chhatra League President Saddam, instructing him to suppress the quota reform movement with an iron hand. At one point in the conversation, Quader told Saddam, "Why don't you beat them? Why are you showing them leniency?" His remarks allegedly emboldened Chhatra League leaders and activists.
Additionally, Quader, along with Mohammad A Arafat and other top leaders, endorsed then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 14 July press conference remarks branding protesters as "grandchildren of razakars." In that context, Quader further incited violence at a 15 July press conference by declaring that Chhatra League would respond to "self-confessed razakars."
On 16 July, Quader allegedly summoned Chhatra League President Saddam and General Secretary Inan to the party office in Dhanmondi and provided them with financial support to carry out attacks on students and the public. At the same time, instructions were allegedly given to Palak to slow down internet services.
Quader also allegedly phoned the then mayor of Chattogram, offering various provocations and encouragement for violence. As a result of these actions, six people – including Abu Sayeed in Rangpur and Wasim in Chattogram – were killed on 16 July, with many others injured.
Charge two states that on 17 July, Quader called on Awami League leaders and activists nationwide to mount resistance through a press conference, instructing them to remain on the streets the following day. On 19 July, he spoke of imposing curfew and "shoot on sight." He is also accused of inciting senior leaders, including then Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Arafat. As a result, the highest number of student and civilian deaths occurred across the country on 18 and 19 July, with many suffering permanent injuries.
The third charge covers activities from 3 to 5 August. On 3 August, Quader allegedly convened a meeting with senior leaders including Bahauddin Nasim, instructing them to remain prepared at neighbourhood levels to suppress the movement. Overall, he is accused of murder, attempted murder, and other criminal acts during July–August last year, which are punishable under the law.
Similar charges were brought against the remaining accused. It was stated that Bahauddin Nasim stood beside Quader at all conspiratorial meetings aimed at suppressing the movement. On 4 August, at a rally at the Krishibid Institute in the capital, Nasim allegedly incited violence by labelling protesters as Jamaat-Shibir, razakars, and Al-Badr. Thirteen people were killed following his speech.
The prosecution described Mohammad Ali Arafat as a "hybrid leader" of the Awami League, alleging that he interfered in all matters during the last days of the party' rule. He is accused of instigation and conspiracy, including leading armed outsiders into Dhaka University on 15 July alongside Parash, Nikhil, Saddam, Inan, Saikat, and others, resulting in injuries to 300 people.
On 19 July, Arafat allegedly stated that even if police fired bullets for five years, their stock would not be exhausted – remarks that allegedly encouraged excessive force by law enforcement. On 20 July, he spoke with Quader by phone regarding media coverage, during which Quader said action must be taken against media outlets that "do not listen."
Arafat replied that broadcasts had already been shut down and warned of further consequences. Consequently, four television channels – Channel 24, Banglavision, Desh TV, and NTV – were temporarily taken off air between 18 and 22 July.
On 4 August, Arafat also labelled protesters as terrorists at a press conference near the Parliament complex.
Jubo League President Parash allegedly attended all meetings with Quader and participated in instigation and conspiracy. On 1 August at 6pm, Quader and Parash allegedly discussed a secret plan over the phone. Nikhil allegedly delivered provocative speeches at a conference in Sylhet on 12 July and engaged in multiple conspiracies between 14 and 18 July. On 19 July, he allegedly opened fire on protesters in Mirpur while holding a weapon himself. His incitement allegedly led to the deaths of 69 protesters in Mirpur, with many others injured.
On 15 July, Chhatra League President Saddam allegedly declared that those who dared to call them razakars would be dealt with decisively. Following this incitement, six people were killed nationwide on 16 July during joint attacks by Chhatra League and police. Chhatra League General Secretary Inan allegedly directly participated in suppressing the movement on 15 July and spoke by phone with Sheikh Hasina on 17 July to thwart student programmes. Subsequent events on 18 July resulted in further loss of life.
After reading out the specific charges, Prosecutor Tamim sought arrest warrants against all seven accused. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam then read out the relevant legal provisions. The tribunal took cognisance of the charges, issued arrest warrants, and set 29 December for the next hearing.
